Federal health officials said Pfizer's vaccine appears to be safe and 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infection in children ages 5-11.
“One big reason why we want children vaccinated is that children do get infected, they do transmit the virus,” said Dr. Davey Smith, UC San Diego's chief of infectious diseases. "So one of our big worries is that they might get it at some place like school or the playground or wherever, and then bring it home to adults."
NBC 7 spoke with San Diegans who are split on whether they will get their children vaccinated or urge others to get the shot.
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“I just feel like for a little child, their immune system is still developing and everything like that,” Khalia Woods said. "I just need some more time."
Other San Diegans are in favor of getting young children vaccinated.
“I still believe that vaccinations will help to avoid serious illness from the COVID virus,” Chris Moore said.
COVD vaccinations for young children would be a smaller dose than that used by older children and adults.
The FDA and CDC advisory committees will further examine the data submitted by Pfizer before giving their recommendation. If the vaccine is approved, approximately 28 million children will be eligible for it.
